Mindful Movement, a Way to Reconnect With Yourself
You see, movement doesn’t always have to be a high-energy workout or a rigorous exercise routine. It can be as simple as swaying gracefully, in a soothing way. Because in a world that often pushes us to go faster and harder, we need to remember that there’s always a way to slow down.
There is always a way to treat your body with kindness, invite the softy, mushy, squishy sensations, and just sway from one side to another in the gentle rhythm of your being.
That's why I say, let's shift gears. Instead of pushing to the limits, let's explore the benefits of gentle, intentional movement, that sends a soothing message to our nervous system, saying, "you are fine."
And when that signal of safety is present, our health metrics respond positively. Our cortisol drops, our immune system works better and we can sleep more restful.
And mindful movements, such as yoga, tai chi, or qigong, offer a holistic approach to physical fitness and well-being that differs from a very strict exercise regimen. While both approaches have their merits, mindful movement practices have some unique benefits:
Stress Reduction: Mindful movement emphasizes the connection between body and mind. Through focused breathing and slow, deliberate movements, it can activate the relaxation response, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm. Scientific studies have shown that practices like yoga can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress.
Improved Flexibility: Mindful movement practices often involve gentle stretching and lengthening of muscles. Over time, this can improve flexibility and range of motion, reducing the risk of injury and promoting overall physical comfort.
Enhanced Body Awareness: Mindful movement encourages you to tune into your body's sensations and movements. This heightened body awareness can help you identify and address physical imbalances or discomfort, leading to improved posture and reduced muscle tension.
Mind-Body Connection: Unlike strict exercise regimens that may focus solely on physical outcomes, mindful movement emphasizes the mind-body connection. This can lead to a greater sense of self-awareness and emotional well-being.
Reduced Risk of Overuse Injuries: Some strict exercise regimens can lead to overuse injuries due to repetitive motions. Mindful movement practices often incorporate a variety of movements and postures, reducing the risk of such injuries.
Balanced Strength: Mindful movement aims to create a balanced, functional strength throughout the body. It focuses on strengthening stabilizer muscles, which can be overlooked in traditional exercise routines, leading to a more balanced and resilient physique.
Mindfulness and Mental Health: Regular mindful movement practices can contribute to improved mental health. Studies have shown that practices like yoga and tai chi can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and enhance overall well-being.
Here are some scientific sources to support these benefits:
Pascoe, M. C., Thompson, D. R., & Ski, C. F. (2017). Yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction and stress-related physiological measures: A meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 86, 152-168.
Roland, M. O., & Jakobi, J. M. (2017). Does yoga engender fitness in older adults? A critical review. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 25(3), 365-372.
Van Der Kolk, B. A., Stone, L., West, J., Rhodes, A., Emerson, D., Suvak, M., & Spinazzola, J. (2014). Yoga as an adjunctive treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 75(6), e559-e565.
Segal, N. A., Hein, J., Basford, J. R., & Kurz, M. J. (2014). The effects of Pilates training on flexibility and body composition: An observational study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95(5), 832-841.
Cramer, H., Lauche, R., Langhorst, J., Dobos, G. J., & Michalsen, A. (2013). Yoga for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Depression and Anxiety, 30(11), 1068-1083.
While both mindful movement and strict exercise regimens have their place, the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and goals. Many people find a combination of both to be beneficial, as they address physical fitness and overall well-being from different angles.
Come and explore soft and gentle movement with me 💛
